The Ninja Theory Of Everything: Hellblade

While the possibility of a second dose of delicious devil tears seems unlikely, we can at least console ourselves with the knowledge that Ninja Theory’s next release, Hellblade, will be coming to PC. The studio once teased a follow-up to their first game, Heavenly Sword, but the sequel never appeared. Could a Hellblade be from the same fiction as a Heavenly Sword? Leading theologians say YES. There’s a video below but nobody runs up the side of a building that is also a demon while attacking the physical manifestation of jazz with a gun-whip so I’m not sure you should bother watching it.

Even though DMC and Enslaved (eventually) came to PC, Hellblade sounds like it’s making its natural home on computer rather than console.

“I think PC offers us a level of freedom that we haven’t had before,” Ninja Theory’s Tameem Antoniades told PC Gamer. Given that most of the studio’s small back catalogue is available on PC, that statement suggests Antoniades either doesn’t know what a PC is, or is suggesting that developing specifically for PC will provide advantages. Later words confirm that the latter is indeed the case. He talks about open betas and “usability testing”, which is of course the kind of sexy freedom the PC offers. But wait! There’s also 4k support and the possibility of modding.

“I think we want to get to the point where we can invite players and fans to add to the game, and do things that are unexpected, and suggest ideas or add-ons that can make the game richer.”

Of course, Ninja Theory might be whispering sweet nothings into the ear of Mr Sony as well but these are pleasant noises. Less pleasant are the words of another Theoretical Ninja, Dominic Matthews, who completely ignores the bestest Ninja Theory release when discussing Hellblade’s (lack of) connection to Heavenly Sword.

“If we said it was the spiritual successor, there would be an expectation there is a story link or a certain type of gameplay or level design. It’s a new IP. It’s a brand new game. It’s brand new characters. It’s a brand new world. It’s not linked at all. But if you like Heavenly Sword, like Enslaved and like what we did, then the aim is you’ll like this, too.”